Neonatal and Premature Infant Growth Charts

Based on data from the Pediatrix Medical Group from close to 400,000 infants born in 248 US hospitals from 1998-2006. Comparison to curves used since the 1970s suggests that more modern curves are much more valid to judge growth of premature infants today.

Based on data from the Vermont Oxford Network from 183,243 racially diverse, singleton infants born in the US without congenital malformations. Tends to represent smaller infants compared to older charts; this is likely due to the increased survival of small infants over time. Provides norms for Asian, Black, and White infants.

A discussion about the use of various newer premature-infant growth curves. A survival improves, curves tend to include smaller infants. There are also methodological differences in how growth points are compiled for these charts that generate small differences in percentiles.

Includes growth charts of 2 patients, demonstrating typical patterns of growth in extreme prematurity. The patients were described as having normal development but growth patterns were different from that of the typical, term infant. Muraskas 2012 (Pediatrics)